Islanders' Ice Girls Help Out at Mineola Food Drive

Food drives are common occurrences during holiday seasons, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, hunger on Long Island knows no off-season.

Alan Smith, manager of Roni Deutch Tax Center at 134 E. Jericho Turnpike in Mineola, understands this better than most people do. He is a member of the speaker’s bureau for the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN) in Hempstead and his mission is to raise awareness of this issue.

The INN operates a growing network that includes 1,500 volunteers managing 19 soup kitchens. Together they serve more than 320,000 meals annually, according to the organization.

The INN, founded by volunteers in 1983, addresses the issues of hunger and homelessness on Long Island by providing shelter, long-term housing and supportive services in what Smith says is a “dignified and respectful manner.” Smith said the INN has a “don’t ask” policy when it comes to feeding the hungry.

“If you’re someone who has the guts to go there, you probably need a meal,” Smith said. “A lot of the people probably [who come for food] have jobs but don’t make a lot of money.” Instead, studies show, they make sacrifices like paying for utility bills and rent while cutting back on food.

TheRoni Deutch Tax Center collected non-perishable food items and clothes Saturday as part of its commitment to fight hunger and homelessness on Long Island.

In exchange for donating five non-perishable food items, customers received a 25 percent discount off their 2010 tax preparation fees. For every non-perishable can of food, the tax center takes off $10 on the bill, up to $50 (five cans).

“This is ongoing through the tax season,” Smith said. “We’re very community minded here.” The offer extends to unemployed workers who will receive a 50 percent discount off the price of their 2010 federal and state returns.

All food donations will go to benefit the INN. 

The New York Islanders organization took part in the food drive by sending two members of the Islanders Ice girls’ team to Mineola to collect food and greet passersby. The Ice girls at the event were first-year member Victoria and third-year member Danielle. As per the organization’s policy, they do not give out their last names.

The 11-member New York Islanders Ice girls’ team, the first of its kind in the National Hockey League, takes part in many community efforts during the season. Each Ice girl goes to four events of her choosing.

“I chose this one because I thought it would be cool,” Danielle, who identified that she was a student at Adelphi University and a competitive skater and coach, said.

Victoria, a rookie on the team, had competed in Europe the previous 3 years. Her plans include attending C.W. Post. She is happy to be an Ice girl, which requires speed and precision skating. “I love it so much,” Victoria said, calling it, “My dream came true.” 

Smith praised the Islanders organization for their service to the community. “The Islanders bend over backwards for their corporate sponsors,” he said.